The latest news from Edmonds Community College

Edmonds CC choir students take advantage of iPads to make their music sing

11/14/13

Choir groups in Edmonds Community College’s Music department have a brand-new way
of learning — with the aid of an iPad.

The college’s Technology Investment Management Committee — which comprises student
and employee representatives — approved a grant for the purchase of 40 new iPads and
music apps stored on the tablets. The committee is responsible for recommending allocations
of the students' one-time technology investment fund — supported by a technology fee
of $2.40 per credit that all students contribute to — and the college’s matching allocation.

Students in the Symphonic Choir and Soundsation vocal jazz choirs will be allowed
to use the iPads while enrolled at Edmonds CC.

Choir director Kirk Marcy distributed the iPads recently from a music room in Mill
Creek Hall. “Even on day one, we were able to teach the students how to make (in the
music reader app forScore) some of the same score markings that they would typically
do in pencil on paper,” he said. “Recently, students have been creating audio recordings
of themselves during rehearsals. They have sent these recordings to me for evaluation
and feedback. It has had a noticeable impact on the effectiveness of our rehearsals.”

Marcy also worked with Soundsation students on an app called iReal to help them prepare
individual solos to perform in class.

“Prior to this,” said Marcy, “we would have to carve out time individually for students
to work with our live rhythm section. Now, they have the ability to practice and perform
an unlimited number of jazz songs, in whatever style, key, and tempo they wish.”

Marcy said that Edmonds CC is the only college in Washington to have entire ensembles
using iPad technology.

Edmonds Community College’s Symphonic Choir will perform 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec.
5, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6215 196th St. SW, Lynnwood. Admission is a suggested
donation of $7, with all proceeds going to Music department scholarships.